Speeches

Ag Progress Days: Supporting Pennsylvania

It's a pleasure to be with you at Ag Progress Days 2003 -- a celebration of Pennsylvania's number one industry and Penn State's special partnership with all of you.

This is the 35th year for Ag Progress Days and each year Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences does a tremendous job of showcasing the incredible work that's done across the state on behalf of local farmers as well as agribusiness, government, forest resource management, and related industries. The outstanding expertise of our faculty, staff, and extension agents is helping to address some of the most pressing health-related, economic, and quality of life issues within our state.

Penn State's longstanding role in supporting the Commonwealth and the development of Pennsylvania agriculture and related industries is not only a large part of our legacy, but also a point of tremendous pride within the University.

As all of you know, Pennsylvania -- like other states -- is experiencing a significant budget shortfall that is affecting every area of the University. Of course, we are hopeful that when the final budget negotiations are finished in the next several weeks that Penn State can be spared the 5 percent reduction currently in play in Harrisburg. But I've said many times that we are prepared to contribute our fair share.

At the same time, as I said during the Senate appropriations hearing in May, Cooperative Extension and Agricultural Research are not funded by tuition dollars and are dependent mainly on state and federal appropriations. As I explained then, a 5 percent reduction for Extension and Research translates to an elimination of 85 extension positions this year -- and that is on top of a similar reduction for last year. Moreover, valuable research efforts that impact agriculture will be reduced as well. We know that the Governor and the Legislature are mindful of these sacrifices and are doing the best they can. I know that they are working hard to reach an agreement and their task is a difficult one. Penn State remains supportive of the Governor and the Legislature as this difficult process evolves. During these challenging budget times, I want to reaffirm our commitment to our agricultural heritage and to Pennsylvania and its citizens, particularly those who work the land, raise livestock, and keep our nation healthy and strong. You have a demanding and labor-intensive job, and we appreciate your dedication.

You may find it interesting to note that today in history actually marks the birth of the eight-hour workday in 1862. I am well aware that many of you in this room have yet to experience such a luxury, but hopefully, Penn State is helping to make agriculture a little more profitable for you, as we work on problems related to the West Nile virus, plum pox, wheat scab, "mad cow" disease, invasive pests, food safety, and homeland security, to name just a few.

Our College of Agricultural Sciences is one of the largest agricultural colleges in the nation and the largest in the Big 10. We also have one of the largest scholarship programs within the University and we are a national leader in research and cooperative extension.

Within the coming years, three new buildings that will directly serve agriculture and its future workforce will be constructed on the University Park campus. The Food Science Building, which will house the Berkey Creamery, will allow Penn State to better serve its students and the food processing and manufacturing industry in Pennsylvania.

The School of Forest Resources Building currently under design is expected to be completed April 2005. Both of these agricultural buildings result from a funding partnership between the University and the Commonwealth. For this, I want to thank the Governor and the Legislature for their support.

The Life Sciences Building, which will connect to the new Chemistry Building, will serve 500 scientists and thousands of students in seven of Penn State's colleges, including the College of Agricultural Sciences.

In addition, the future development of a 395-acre Arboretum at Penn State, under the direction of the College of Agricultural Sciences, promises in the years to come to be a spectacular outreach, teaching, and research facility.

Our commitment to helping Pennsylvania agribusiness grow and adjust to rapid changes in the agriculture industry has never been strongerAgain, let me say how pleased we are that all of you could join us at Ag Progress Days this year. We're grateful for your support of the College of Agricultural Sciences and hope you enjoy your visit.